Foundational Truth, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
The return of Jesus is a primary theme in this portion of 1 Thessalonians with the foundation of understanding that each of us must keep faithful to the Lord until He comes in every aspect of our being. We are admonished to be awake and to remain sober.
Paul eludes to Ephesians 6:10-18 when he mentions the importance of putting on faith and love as a breastplate. The breastplate is a metaphor of a shield of protection over a person's heart. It is of utmost priority in today's world that we protect our heart--which is the essence of who we are. In Proverbs 4:23 it says "above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Jesus said in Luke 6:45 "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. FOR THE MOUTH SPEAKS WHAT THE HEART IS FULL OF!"
Our mind is also at great risk and needs to be protected by the hope of our salvation. We wear this, according to Paul, like a helmet. The "helmet" protects our head from injury. How very easy it is for our thoughts to drive is to hope or to despair. Our thoughts direct our actions.
The final verse of this portion of Scripture says, "Therefore ENCOURAGE one another and BUILD EACH OTHER UP, just as in fact you are doing."
Are you doing that? Are you encouraging others and building others up? Who can you bless today with your kindness, grace, and loving words?